Keep lilies away from cats

Although beautiful flowers, lilies are lethal to cats. Easter, Stargazer, and Asiatic lilies are the most toxic but all true lilies are dangerous (calla and peace lilies are not of the Lilium species, and while irritating, are not considered poisonous).

Ingesting even a tiny amount of lily plant can cause kidney failure and death. Not only are the leaves and flowers deadly, but so is the water from a vase lilies are in, as is pollen fallen onto the floor or fur. If you own a cat, play it safe: never bring a lily into your house and do not plant any in the yard if your cat goes outside.

If you suspect your cat has ingested or bitten a lily, treat it as a medical emergency and do not wait to see if he/she gets sick. Immediately take your pet to a veterinarian for medical evaluation. Your cat may be given medications to help eliminate the plant material, receive IV fluids, have blood-work performed, or possibly be sent to a specialty or emergency hospital for continued care.

We can’t predict which cats will develop kidney failure from lily exposure, but we can prevent that exposure in the first place. Protect your feline friends: always keep cats away from lilies and lilies away from cats!”